Beach erosion issue could end up in court

MACKAY City Councillor George Christensen has warned his colleagues they could end up in court if they don't help foot the bill for a rock wall to prevent erosion at McEwens Beach. Cr Christensen said he expected McEwens Beach residents to obtain formal legal advice in the next week to determine whether or not they could seek a mandatory injunction against council that could force the start of construction and have council pay the associated costs in full. He said he had already spoken informally with a solicitor on the issue and it appeared the residents could have a case against council. Erosion at the beach has plagued residents for more than 20 years and Cr Christensen has also called on council to sandbag the erosion scarp to protect against high tides later in the year.